Automatic analyzer

ABSTRACT

A reagent dispensing mechanism ( 15 ), first and second dispensing-mechanism transfer means ( 26, 27 ), and a second reagent vessel (reagent cassette) carrying-in/out mechanism ( 24 ), which are constructed by employing an XY-mechanism, are arranged so as to travel above a reagent table ( 25 ) to carry in/out a reagent cassette ( 22 ). As compared with the case where the reagent cassette carrying-in/out mechanism ( 24 ) is installed radially of the reagent table ( 25 ), the area of an automatic analyzer in the horizontal direction can be reduced and a reagent vessel ( 16 ) can be moved to a predetermined position in a shorter time by combining the rotation of the reagent table ( 25 ) with the movement of the XY-mechanism. Further, as compared the case of dispensing reagents from reagent vessels in a matrix pattern by using the reagent dispensing/transferring mechanism, the travel distance of the transferring mechanism can be shortened and so can be the travel time. Thus, an analyzer adaptable as a machine of high processing capability with a shorter cycle time can be constructed.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer suitablefor agitating and mixing a sample with a reagent loaded on a reagenttable, and then analyzing the sample.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] An automatic analyzer is practiced as an apparatus for analyzingsera, urine, etc. of patients. Such an analyzer comprises a sample tableincluding a sample vessel which contains a sample, such as a serum, asampling mechanism for dispensing the sample, a reaction table includinga reaction vessel in which the sample is mixed with a reagent to preparea reaction solution and to develop a reaction, an agitating mechanismfor agitating and mixing the reaction solution, a photometer formeasuring the absorbance of the reaction solution, and a cleaningmechanism for cleaning the reaction vessel.

[0003] Further, the analyzer comprises two reagent tables on which afirst reagent and a second reagent are loaded respectively as reagentsto be added to the sample. Each of the reagent tables includes a drivingmechanism for rotating the reagent table independently, and a reagentdispensing mechanism for sucking the reagent.

[0004] Recently, there has been an increasing demand for an analyzercapable of performing both biochemical analysis and immunity analysis bya single unit, which have been performed so far by separate dedicatedanalyzers. It is hence required to accurately perform a wide range ofanalysis covering from biochemical analysis to immunity analysis.

[0005] Accordingly, a demand for increasing the number of analysis itemsloadable on the automatic analyzer, i.e., the number of reagents, hasalso increased.

[0006] In view of such a demand, JP,A 9-72915 proposes a reagent storagein the form of a turntable for loading reagents thereon, in whichreagent vessels are arranged along a plurality of circles in aconcentric relation corresponding to the increasing number of reagents,and barcodes of the reagent thus arranged can be read.

[0007] In general, reagent vessels are employed such that sector-shapedreagent vessels are arranged on a reagent table in an annular form, orthat rectangular reagent vessels are arranged in a matrix pattern. As areagent dispensing mechanism, a rotating mechanism and an XY-mechanismare employed for the sector-shaped and rectangular reagent vessels,respectively, to perform dispensation of reagents and analysis ofsamples with high efficiency.

[0008] However, the number of reagents loadable on the reagent table isdetermined depending on the size of the reagent table itself. Therefore,if two reagent tables are arranged independently of each other andreagents are sucked and ejected from the reagent tables by usingrespective reagent dispensing mechanisms, the size of the reagent tableis enlarged as the number of loadable reagents increases. As a result,the size of a body of the automatic analyzer is enlarged and so is thereagent dispensing mechanism.

[0009] Also, in the analyzer employing the rectangular reagent vesselsarranged in a matrix pattern, the travel distance of the XY-mechanismbecomes longer with an increase in the number of loadable reagents, andtherefore the analyzer is not adaptable as a machine of high processingcapability with a shorter cycle time.

[0010] Thus, even in the field of a multi-item analyzer requiring alarge number of loadable reagents, it has been demanded to develop asmall-sized analyzer having a high processing capability and highreliability.

[0011] To that end, JP,A 4-36658 discloses an automatic analyzercomprising a reagent storage in which a plurality of reagent vessels canbe arranged in an annular form, reagent vessel carrying-in means forcarrying the reagent vessel into the reagent storage in the radialdirection of the reagent storage, and reagent vessel carrying-out meansfor carrying the reagent vessel out of the reagent storage in the radialdirection of the reagent storage, wherein the reagent vessel can becarried out and in even during analysis of a sample.

[0012] With that construction, the number of loadable reagents can beincreased without essentially enlarging the size of the reagent storage.

[0013] Additionally, other similar techniques regarding the automaticanalyzer are disclosed in, e.g., JP,A 4-43962 and JP,A 4-50654.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0014] With the technique disclosed in JP,A 4-36658, however, becausethe reagent vessel is carried in and out of the reagent storage in theradial direction of the reagent storage as described above, the reagentstorage cannot be constructed of two parts, which are arranged in aconcentric relation and are rotated independently of each other. Hence,there is a limit in increasing the number of times at which the reagentstorage is carried in and out. In order to be adapted for an increase inthe number of loadable reagents beyond such a limit, a problem arises inthat the analyzer size must be enlarged.

[0015] Also, because the reagent vessel is carried in and out of thereagent storage in the radial direction of the reagent storage, thecarrying-in means and the carrying-out means require to be providedseparately from each other and an area for installing those means isrequired. This raises a problem that it is difficult to reduce theanalyzer size and the disclosed technique is not suitable for a machineof high processing capability.

[0016] An object of the present invention is to inexpensively realize anautomatic analyzer, which can suppress the analyzer size from increasingwith an increase in the number of loadable reagents and which isadaptable for a high processing capability.

[0017] According to the present invention, an automatic analyzer withhigh reliability can be realized because reagent management, includingcarrying of reagents, can be automated.

[0018] Further, according to the present invention, an automaticanalyzer can be realized which is flexibly adaptable for even ananalysis item having a complicated reaction sequence.

[0019] To achieve the above object, the present invention is constitutedas follows:

[0020] (1) An automatic analyzer comprising a reagent table on which aplurality of reagent vessels are loadable, and a reagent dispensingmechanism capable of sucking a reagent from the reagent vessels andejecting the reagent to a reaction vessel, the automatic analyzerfurther comprising reagent-dispensing-mechanism transfer means formoving the reagent dispensing mechanism from a particular reagentsucking position to a reagent ejecting position, in which the reagent isejected to the reaction vessel, through a space above the reagent table,reagent vessel carrying-in/out means for performing carrying-in of thereagent vessel from a reagent vessel movement standby position to areagent vessel loading position and carrying-out of the reagent vesselfrom the reagent vessel loading position to a reagent vessel unloadingposition through a space above the reagent table, and control means forcontrolling operations of the reagent table, the reagent dispensingmechanism, the reagent-dispensing-mechanism transfer means, and thereagent vessel carrying-in/out means, wherein the reagent table includesa plurality of annular reagent vessel holders arranged in a concentricrelation, the plurality of annular reagent vessel holders being drivenfor rotation independently of each other.

[0021] (2) In the above (1), preferably, the automatic analyzer furthercomprises reagent vessel carrying means for carrying the reagent vesselplaced in a particular position to the reagent vessel movement standbyposition, reading means for reading specific information of the reagent,which is indicated on the reagent vessel carried by the reagent vesselcarrying means, and an information storage section for storing thespecific information of the reagent read by the reading means, whereinthe control means instructs the carrying-in of the reagent vessel fromthe reagent vessel movement standby position to the reagent vesselloading position in accordance with the specific information of thereagent.

[0022] (3) In the above (1), preferably, the control means includesdetermining means for determining whether the reagent vessel on thereagent table is to be carried out of the reagent table, and if it isdetermined that the reagent vessel is to be carried out based on theexpiration date of the reagent or the amount of remaining reagentcalculated from the specific information of the reagent stored in theinformation storage section, the control means carries the reagentvessel on the reagent table from the reagent vessel loading position tothe reagent vessel unloading position by using the reagent vesselcarrying-in/out means.

[0023] (4) In the above (1) or (2), preferably, the automatic analyzerfurther comprises display means for displaying movement information ofthe reagent vessel when the reagent vessel is loaded onto or unloadedfrom the reagent table.

[0024] (5) In the above (1), preferably, the control means controls theoperation of loading the reagent vessel onto the reagent table such thatthe reagent vessel is loaded in a vacant area in one of the annularreagent vessel holders on the inner peripheral side with priority over avacant area in another holder on the outer peripheral side.

[0025] (6) In the above (1), preferably, the automatic analyzer furthercomprises an annular reaction table on which the reaction vessels areplaced, wherein the reaction table is rotated under control of thecontrol means, and two or more reagent dispensing mechanism arecontrolled such that reagents to be added at different timings are addedto the reaction vessels during the same period in a rotation cycle inwhich the reaction table is stopped.

[0026] Consequently, by combining the reagent table, on which thereagent vessels are arranged in an annular form, with the reagentdispensing mechanism employing an XY-mechanism, it is possible toinexpensively realize an automatic analyzer, which can suppress theanalyzer size from increasing and which is adaptable for a highprocessing capability.

[0027] Also, an automatic analyzer with high reliability can be realizedbecause reagent management, including carrying of reagents, can beautomated.

[0028] Further, an automatic analyzer can be realized which is flexiblyadaptable for even an analysis item having a complicated reactionsequence.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029]FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing the construction of oneembodiment of an automatic analyzer to which the present invention isapplied.

[0030]FIG. 2 is a detailed view of a first reagent vessel carryingmechanism shown in FIG. 1.

[0031]FIG. 3 is a detailed view of a second reagent vessel carryingmechanism shown in FIG. 1.

[0032]FIG. 4 is a view for explaining the operation of the secondreagent vessel carrying mechanism shown in FIG. 1.

[0033]FIG. 5 is a view for explaining the operation of the secondreagent vessel carrying mechanism shown in FIG. 1.

[0034]FIG. 6 is a view for explaining reagent cassette loading/unloadingpositions and reagent sucking positions of the automatic analyzer towhich the present invention is applied.

[0035]FIG. 7 is a plan view of first and second reagentdispensing/transferring mechanisms shown in FIG. 1.

[0036]FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the reagent cassette loading operation inthe embodiment of the present invention.

[0037]FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the reagent cassette unloading operationin the embodiment of the present invention.

[0038]FIG. 10 is a time chart in the embodiment of the presentinvention.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0039] An embodiment of the present invention will be described belowwith reference to the drawings.

[0040]FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing the construction of oneembodiment of an automatic analyzer to which the present invention isapplied. This embodiment represents an automatic analyzer comprising twounits, i.e., a rack sampler 1 and an analyzing section 2 (100).

[0041] In a rack supply section 3 of the rack sampler 1, a sample vessel4 containing a sample is loaded while it is set in a rack 5. Whenanalysis of the sample is started, each rack 5 is successively carriedtoward the analyzing section 2 via a rack supply line 6.

[0042] During the carrying of the sample vessel 4 toward the analyzingsection 2 via the rack supply line 6, the sample ID or the rack ID puton the sample vessel 4 is read by a barcode reader 7. Then, a controlsection 9 executes collation of the sample with requested analysis itemsand stores analysis information regarding the sample in an informationstorage section 8.

[0043] Under control of the control section 9, the rack 5 is held on arack rotating table 10 and thereafter carried to a sampling mechanism11, and the sample is analyzed based on the analysis informationpreviously stored in the information storage section 8. Subsequently,the rack 5, for which the analysis has finished, is returned again tothe rack rotating table 10 and then stowed in a rack stowing section 12via the rack supply line 6.

[0044] The analysis of the sample is performed as follows. The samplingmechanism 11 dispenses the sample contained in the sample vessel 4 to areaction vessel 14, which is disposed in an annular form on a reactiontable 13. Then, a reagent contained in a reagent vessel 16, which isarranged on a reagent table 25, is adds to the sample, as required, by areagent dispensing mechanism 15. Thereafter, the sample and the reagentare agitated and mixed by an agitating mechanism (not shown), and theabsorbance of a mixed solution is measured using a photometer 17.

[0045] The reaction vessel 14, for which the measurement has finished,is cleaned after the end of each measurement by a cleaning mechanism 18to be ready for a next cycle of the measurement.

[0046] A control system 200 comprises the control section 9, theinformation storage section 8 for storing various kinds of informationregarding the analysis, an input section 19 for inputting information,and a display section 20 for displaying information. The control system200 controls the analysis process and the mechanism operation in theanalyzing section 100 via an interface 21.

[0047] In addition to two reagent dispensing mechanisms 15, the analyzershown in FIG. 1 further includes a first reagent vessel carryingmechanism 23 for carrying a reagent cassette 22, in which a plurality ofreagent vessels 16 are loadable, into the analyzing section 2 and forreading the specific information of the reagent, a second reagent vesselcarrying-in/out mechanism 24 associated with the reagent dispensingmechanism 15 and lifting up the reagent cassette while fixedly holdingit, a reagent table 25 on which the reagent cassettes 22 can be loadedin an annular form, and first and second reagent-dispensing-mechanismtransfer means 26, 27 capable of adding the reagent from the reagentvessel 16 to the reaction vessel 14 and capable of carrying the reagentcassette 22 to the reagent table 25 from the first reagent vesselcarrying mechanism 23.

[0048] The operation of the automatic analyzer according to oneembodiment of the present invention will be described below in detail.

[0049] A description is first made of a manner of loading the reagentcassette 22.

[0050]FIG. 2 is a detailed view of the first reagent vessel carryingmechanism 23, and FIG. 3 is a detailed view of the second reagent vesselcarrying mechanism 24. Also, FIGS. 4 and 5 are each a view forexplaining the operation of the second reagent vessel carrying-in/outmechanism 24. Further, FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing loading andunloading positions of the reagent cassette 22. FIG. 7 is a schematicview showing the construction of first and secondreagent-dispensing-mechanism transfer means 26, 27 dispensing the firstreagent, and FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the operation for loading thereagent cassette 22.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 8, when newly loading the reagent cassette 22on the reagent table 25, the reagent cassette 22 is inserted in areagent cassette inserting position P1 (FIG. 6) (Step 1). When theinsertion of the reagent cassette 22 is detected by an insertion sensor28 (FIG. 2) (Step 2), a motor 29 starts rotation and the rotation istransmitted to a belt 31 through a pulley 30, whereupon the carrying ofthe reagent cassette 22 into the analyzer is started (Step 3).

[0052] During the carrying of the reagent cassette 22, the specificinformation of the reagent is read by a barcode reader 32 (Step 4) andthen stored in the information storage section 8. When the reagentcassette 22 is carried to a reagent vessel movement standby position P2(FIG. 6), an arrival sensor 33 detects the reagent cassette 22 (Step 5),whereupon the rotation of the motor 29 is stopped and the carrying ofthe reagent cassette 22 is stopped (Step 6).

[0053] If it is here determined that the previously read specificinformation of the reagent is improper and false read has occurred (Step7), the motor 29 is rotated in the direction opposed to that in theabove case (Step 8) for carrying the reagent cassette 22 back to thereagent cassette inserting position P1. After the insertion sensor 28detects the reagent cassette 22 (Step 9), the carrying operation isstopped (Step 10).

[0054] Thus, the reagent can be taken out for reconfirmation.

[0055] If there is no abnormality in the read specific information ofthe reagent (Step 7), the reagent cassette 22 is lifted up from thereagent vessel movement standby position P2 by the second reagent vesselcarrying-in/out mechanism 24 (Step 11), which is associated with thereagent dispensing mechanisms 15 and is capable of lifting up thereagent cassette 22 while fixedly holding it.

[0056] The construction and operation of the second reagent vesselcarrying-in/out mechanism 24 will now be described with reference toFIGS. 3, 4 and 5.

[0057] The second reagent vessel carrying-in/out mechanism 24 includes amotor 39. The motor 39 and two pulleys 40, 40 move a belt 41 so as toreciprocate between the two pulleys 40. The reciprocating direction ofthe belt 41 is set to be substantially the same as the direction of arotary shaft of the reagent table 25.

[0058] Further, a reagent cassette lifting-up member 43 is attached tothe belt 41. With the movement of the belt 41, the reagent cassettelifting-up member 43 is also movable substantially in the same thedirection as that of the rotary shaft of the reagent table 25.

[0059] In addition, the reagent cassette lifting-up member 43 isprovided with hooks 42 for lifting up the reagent cassette 22. Thereagent cassette lifted up by the hooks 42 is movable in the up-and-downdirection with respect to the automatic analyzer.

[0060] On the other hand, the reagent cassette 22 has holes used forlifting up it, which are formed in positions corresponding to the hooks42. By inserting and engaging the hooks 42 in the holes of the reagentcassette 22, the reagent cassette 22 can be lifted up to a level atwhich it is movable in a horizontal plane (FIGS. 4 and 5).

[0061] Then, the reagent cassette 22 is moved from the reagent vesselmovement standby position P2 to a reagent vessel loading position P3, orfrom the reagent vessel loading position P3 to a reagent vesselunloading position P4.

[0062] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 7, the reagent dispensingmechanisms 15, to which the second reagent vessel carrying-in/outmechanism 24 is attached, is movable in a horizontal plane of theautomatic analyzer by the first and second reagent-dispensing-mechanismtransfer means 26, 27.

[0063] The first reagent-dispensing-mechanism transfer means 26 includesa moving mechanism comprising, e.g., a ball screw 36 and a guide 37, andit can move the second reagent-dispensing-mechanism transfer means 27,which is fixed to the moving mechanism, to the right-and-left direction(X-direction) as viewed on the drawing through a transmission mechanism35 with driving of a motor 34.

[0064] Similarly, the second reagent-dispensing-mechanism transfer means27 includes a moving mechanism comprising, e.g., a ball screw 36 and aguide 37, and it can move the reagent dispensing mechanism 15, which isfixed to the moving mechanism, to the up-and-down direction(Y-direction) as viewed on the drawing through a transmission mechanism35 with driving of a motor 34.

[0065] With that construction, the reagent dispensing mechanism 15 andthe second reagent vessel carrying-in/out mechanism 24 associatedtherewith are able to move in the horizontal plane.

[0066] As described above, the reagent cassette 22 is carried from thereagent vessel movement standby position P2 to the reagent vesselloading position P3 on the reagent table 25 while the reagent cassette22 is held in a hanged state (Step 12).

[0067] In an example of the construction shown in the drawing, thereagent table 25 has annular reagent vessel holders 38, which arearranged in a dual pattern and each of which has a single loadingposition. Note that the number of annular reagent vessel holders 38constituting the reagent table 25 may be one or three, and at least onereagent vessel loading position P3 is required for each of the annularreagent vessel holders 38.

[0068] When there are two or more annular reagent vessel holders 38,these holders are controlled so as to rotate independently of eachother.

[0069] The reagent cassette 22 is brought down in the reagent vesselloading position P3 (Step 13). After the bringing-down operation, thereagent dispensing mechanism 15 is moved to the position of a not-showncleaning bath which is usually on standby (Step 14). If there is avacant area in one of the annular reagent vessel holders 38 on the innerperipheral side, the operation of loading the reagent cassette 22 or thereagent vessel 16 onto the reagent table 25 is controlled such that thereagent cassette 22 or the reagent vessel 16 is loaded in the vacantarea in the inner peripheral side holder 38 with priority over a vacantarea in the outer peripheral side holder 38.

[0070] Stated another way, for the purpose of preventing an excessiveunbalance in arrangement of the reagent cassettes 22 on the reagenttable 25, the control section 9 desirably controls the loading operationof the reagent cassette 22 onto the reagent table 25 such that thereagent cassette 22 is loaded in the vacant area on the inner peripheralside closer to the center of rotation of the reagent table 25 withpriority over the vacant area on the outer peripheral side.

[0071] When the reagent cassette 22 is loaded, information regarding thecassette movement is displayed on the display section 20, such as amonitor or a printer, so that an analyzer user can confirm the displayedinformation.

[0072] A manner of unloading the reagent cassette 22 will be describedbelow.

[0073]FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the operation of unloading the reagentcassette 22.

[0074] Referring to FIG. 9, when reagent cassette unloading instructionis entered from the external input section, such as a keyboard, or whenthe amount of remaining reagent calculated from the specific informationof the reagent exceeds a preset value, or when the reagent is over theexpiration date, the control section 9 determines that the reagentcassette 22 is to be unloaded from the reagent table 25 (Step 15).

[0075] The control section 9 rotates the reagent table 25 to such anextent that the relevant reagent cassette 22 is moved to the reagentvessel loading position P3 described above, and at the same time movesthe second reagent vessel carrying-in/out mechanism 24 to the reagentvessel loading position P3 (Step 16). The reagent cassette 22 is liftedup from the reagent vessel loading position P3 (Step 17) and then movedto the reagent vessel unloading position P4 (Step 18). Thereafter, thereagent cassette 22 is brought down in the reagent vessel unloadingposition P4 (Step 19).

[0076] Subsequently, the second reagent vessel carrying-in/out mechanism24 is moved to the position of the cleaning bath not shown (Step 20).When the reagent cassette 22 is unloaded, information regarding thecassette movement is displayed on the display section 20, such as amonitor or a printer, so that the analyzer user can confirm thedisplayed information.

[0077] The reagent vessel movement standby position P2 may serve also asthe reagent vessel unloading position P4. The reagent cassette 22 can becarried to the reagent vessel inserting position P1 by utilizing thefirst reagent vessel carrying mechanism 23, and can be automaticallyunloaded by externally providing a container for receiving the unloadedreagent cassettes.

[0078] With the operation described above, it is possible to automatethe analyzer from the stage of carrying the reagent into the analyzerand to constitute an automatic analyzer with higher reliability.

[0079]FIG. 10 is a time chart in the case where one embodiment of thepresent invention is applied to an automatic analyzer with a processingcapability of 600 tests/hour.

[0080]FIG. 10 represents an example in which a single driving mechanismcontrols the two annular reagent vessel holders 38 on the inner andouter peripheral sides, and the reagent cassettes 22 each containing afirst reagent or a second reagent are loaded on the reagent table 25without being allocated with regard to areas.

[0081] First, after dispensing the sample into the reaction vessel 14 byusing the sampling mechanism 11, the reaction table 13 is rotated to afirst reagent ejecting position P6 a (FIG. 6)((A) in FIG. 10). Todispense the first agent, the reagent table 25 is rotated to a firstreagent sucking position P5 a ((B) in FIG. 10). The first reagentdispensing mechanism 15 is moved to the first reagent sucking positionP5 a by using the first and second reagent-dispensing-mechanism transfermeans 26, 27, then the reagent is sucked from the reagent vessel 16, andthe reagent is ejected in the first reagent ejecting position P6 a towhich the reaction vessel 14 has moved ((C), (D) and (E) in FIG. 10).

[0082] Subsequently, to dispense the second reagent at the timing atwhich the second reagent is to be dispensed, the reagent table 25 isrotated to a second reagent sucking position P5 b. The second reagentdispensing mechanism 15 is moved to the second reagent sucking positionP5 b by using the first and second reagent-dispensing-mechanism transfermeans 26, 27, then the reagent is sucked from the reagent vessel 16, andthe reagent is ejected into the reaction vessel 14 which has moved tothe second reagent ejecting position P6 a ((F), (G,) and (H) in FIG.10).

[0083] A series of the above-described operations are executed in acyclic manner, and therefore can be represented by the time chart shownin FIG. 10. In this embodiment, the reaction table 25 stops theoperation twice during each rotation cycle of 6 seconds. The sample andthe reagents are added in one stopped state, while they are agitated andmixed in the other stopped state. In other words, at the reagent addingtiming corresponding to the one stopped state, the first reagent and thesecond reagent are both added to the reaction vessels 14.

[0084] In order to realize such a series of the operations, theoperation of rotating and stopping the reagent table 25 is repeatedtwice during each cycle of 6 seconds. One half cycle is utilized forsucking the first reagent and the other half cycle is utilized forsucking the second reagent. Thus, the first reagent and the secondreagent are sucked in the respective reagent sucking positions P5, andare both ejected to the reaction vessels 14 in the same stopped stateduring each rotation cycle of the reaction table 13.

[0085] As described above, combining the reagent table 25, on which thereagent vessels 16 are arranged in an annular form, with the reagentdispensing mechanism 15, the first and second dispensing-mechanismtransfer means 26, 27, and the second reagent vessel carrying-in/outmechanism 24, which are constructed by employing the XY-mechanism, makesit possible to always suck the reagent in a predetermined position andto always carry in/out the reagent vessel 16 in a predeterminedposition.

[0086] Stated another way, the reagent dispensing mechanism 15, etc.employing the XY-mechanism are constructed so as to travel above thereagent table 25 to carry in/out the reagent cassette 22. As comparedwith the prior art where the reagent cassette carrying-in/out means isinstalled radially of the reagent table, therefore, the area of theautomatic analyzer in the horizontal direction can be reduced and thereagent vessel can be moved to a predetermined position in a shortertime by combining the rotation of the reagent table 25 with the movementof the XY-mechanism. Further, as compared the prior art of dispensingreagents from reagent vessels in a matrix pattern by using the reagentdispensing/transferring mechanism, the travel distance of thetransferring mechanism can be shortened and so can be the travel time.Thus, an analyzer adaptable as a machine of high processing capabilitywith a shorter cycle time can be constructed.

[0087] As a consequence, an automatic analyzer capable of suppressingthe analyzer size from increasing with an increase in the number ofloadable reagents and being adaptable for a high processing capabilitycan be inexpensively realized.

[0088] Further, since a position in which the reagent is to be added tothe reaction vessel 14 can be relatively freely set, the automaticanalyzer is flexibly adaptable for even an analysis item having acomplicated reaction sequence.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0089] According to the present invention, the dispensation of thereagent and the carrying-in/out of the reagent cassette to and from thereagent table are performed by combining the reagent table, on which thereagent vessels are arranged in an annular form, with the reagentdispensing mechanism employing the XY-mechanism. With that construction,it is possible to inexpensively realize an automatic analyzer, which cansuppress the analyzer size from increasing with an increase in thenumber of reagent vessels and reagent cassettes used and which isadaptable for a high processing capability.

[0090] Also, an automatic analyzer with high reliability can be realizedbecause reagent management, including carrying of reagents, can beautomated.

[0091] Further, an automatic analyzer can be realized which is flexiblyadaptable for even an analysis item having a complicated reactionsequence.

1. An automatic analyzer comprising a reagent table (25) on which aplurality of reagent vessels (16) are loadable, and a reagent dispensingmechanism (15) capable of sucking a reagent from said reagent vessels(16) and ejecting the reagent to a reaction vessel (14), said automaticanalyzer further comprising: reagent-dispensing-mechanism transfer means(26, 27) for moving said reagent dispensing mechanism (15) from aparticular reagent sucking position (P5 a, P5 b) to a reagent ejectingposition (P6 a, P6 b), in which the reagent is ejected to said reactionvessel (14), through a space above said reagent table (25), reagentvessel carrying-in/out means (24, 26, 27) for performing carrying-in ofsaid reagent vessel (16) from a reagent vessel movement standby position(P2) to a reagent vessel loading position (P3) and carrying-out of saidreagent vessel (16) from the reagent vessel loading position (P3) to areagent vessel unloading position (P4) through a space above saidreagent table (25), and control means (200) for controlling operationsof said reagent table (25), said reagent dispensing mechanism (15), saidreagent-dispensing-mechanism transfer means (26, 27), and said reagentvessel carrying-in/out means (24, 26, 27), wherein said reagent table(25) includes a plurality of annular reagent vessel holders (38)arranged in a concentric relation, said plurality of annular reagentvessel holders (38) being driven for rotation independently of eachother.
 2. An automatic analyzer according to claim 1, further comprisingreagent vessel carrying means (23) for carrying the reagent vessel (16)placed in a particular position (P1) to the reagent vessel movementstandby position (P2), reading means (32) for reading specificinformation of the reagent, which is indicated on the reagent vessel(16) carried by said reagent vessel carrying means (23), and aninformation storage section (8) for storing the specific information ofthe reagent read by said reading means (32), wherein said control means(200) instructs the carrying-in of the reagent vessel (16) from thereagent vessel movement standby position (P2) to the reagent vesselloading position (P3) in accordance with the specific information of thereagent.
 3. An automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein saidcontrol means (200) includes determining means (9) for determiningwhether the reagent vessel (16) on said reagent table (25) is to becarried out of said reagent table (25), and if it is determined that thereagent vessel (16) is to be carried out based on the expiration date ofthe reagent or the amount of remaining reagent calculated from thespecific information of the reagent stored in said information storagesection (8), said control means (200) carries the reagent vessel (16) onsaid reagent table (25) from the reagent vessel loading position (P3) tothe reagent vessel unloading position (P4) by using said reagent vesselcarrying-in/out means (24, 26, 27).
 4. An automatic analyzer accordingto claim 1 or 2, further comprising display means (20) for displayingmovement information of the reagent vessel (16) when the reagent vessel(16) is loaded onto or unloaded from said reagent table (25).
 5. Anautomatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein said control means(200) controls the operation of loading the reagent vessel (16) ontosaid reagent table (25) such that the reagent vessel is loaded in avacant area in one of said annular reagent vessel holders (38) on theinner peripheral side with priority over a vacant area in another holderon the outer peripheral side.
 6. An automatic analyzer according toclaim 1, further comprising an annular reaction table (13) on which saidreaction vessels (14) are placed, wherein said reaction table (13) isrotated under control of said control means (200), and two or morereagent dispensing mechanism (15) are controlled such that reagents tobe added at different timings are added to said reaction vessels (14)during the same period in a rotation cycle in which said reaction table(13) is stopped.